Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis Drift Driver

Bakchis 3RD Overall in 2017 Formula Drift Championship, Multiple Awards for Team After a hard-fought season, Aurimas 'Odi' Bakchis earned 3rd overall in the 2017 Formula Drift Championship in the Falken Tires Drifz Wheels Ark Performance S14. The season closed at Irwindale Speedway, nicknamed the “House of Drift”, in Irwindale, California on October 14, 2017. Championship accolades were later presented at the Formula Drift year-end banquet, where Bakchis Motorsports received several awards in recognition of the team’s efforts.

The final event of the season also served as the final Formula Drift event at Irwindale Speedway, which will be closing its iconic doors in January 2018. Bakchis qualified 11th on Friday and fought his way into the Top 8 battles on Saturday where he was paired with Falken Tires and Feal Suspension teammate James Deane. A collision occurred during this battle and Deane (season champion) was awarded the win. This put Bakchis in 3rd place overall for the championship.

In addition to the 3rd place finish, Bakchis Motorsports received additional awards to wrap up the season. Amy Bakchis was named “2017 Pro Spotter of the Year”. Bakchis was awarded the “Comeback of the Year” for his performance in New Jersey earlier this season where he qualified 15th and then went on to win the event. He also received the “Most One More Time Calls of 2017”, which is testament to the team’s persistence and reliable performance on track.

Reflecting on the season, Bakchis stated “After achieving Top 5 overall for the last three seasons, it is an accomplishment to move up into 3rd. Our results these past few seasons have shown not only consistency, but improvement by moving up into the Top 3 overall among highly competitive drivers. I am very happy that my team and program are continually improving and that only inspires me even more to win the overall championship in the near future.”

Bakchis Heads to Japan for FIA International Drifting CupAurimas “Odi” Bakchis is among select drivers to compete in Japan for the first-ever FIA International Drifting Cup on September 30 and October 1, 2017. This international event has drawn global attention and will host two competitions over the course of two days. Top drivers from 14 countries will be competing in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan. Bakchis will be representing Lithuania as a top Formula Drift USA competitor.

FIA sanctions motorsports series including Formula1 and WRC. This event in Tokyo will be the inaugural drifting event for FIA and is the first of its kind in the sport. Bakchis will be competing in the Ark Performance Feal Suspension Genesis Coupe. This vehicle competed in Japan for Formula Drift in 2015 where Bakchis placed 2nd at the event and overall in the World Championship.

Bakchis is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase his driving skill and style among international drivers in a new venue. Bakchis says that he "aims to represent his driving style and skills, his country, and his sportsmanship in the best possible way among a fresh crowd and among fellow drivers."

Third Place Finish for Bakchis at Formula Drift in Canada
(Ontario, CA) - Aurimas"Odi" Bakchis placed third at Formula Drift Round 5 in Quebec on July 16, 2016 in the Ark Performance Feal Suspension Falken Tires Hyundai Genesis Coupe. This event at Autodrome St. Eustache debuted the first ever international round of competition in the Formula Drift Pro 1 championship.

Bakchis qualified 8th on Friday and was paired against Mike Whiddett for the Top 32 round of competition on Saturday. He then had an exciting tandem round that included unavoidable contact with rookie Cameron Moore and went on to face Forrest Wang. After securing a position with the final four drivers, Bakchis battled with Fredric Aasbo amongst an eager and energetic crowd. As a high qualifier Bakchis earned a third place finish and was among the first Pro 1 championship drivers to stand on the Canadian podium.

Fans and spectators have come to expect exciting and aggressive drifting style from Bakchis and he did not fail to deliver in Canada. The third place finish now positions Bakchis in fourth for the overall series championship. With five of eight rounds completed, the championship returns to the USA in Washington on August 5-6, 2016.

Bakchis 3rd in Formula Drift Championship Following Road Atlanta (Ontario, CA) – Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis is ranked 3rd in the Formula Drift championship standings following Round 2 of the 2016 season at Road Atlanta in Georgia. Bakchis had yet another great performance in the Ark Performance Feal Suspension Falken Tires Hyundai Genesis over the weekend. These strong results from the first two events gives Bakchis the momentum needed to contend for the overall championship.

Bakchis helped set a high standard for the field when he qualified 5th with a 90-point qualifying run on Friday afternoon. The Top 32 tandem round paired Bakchis with rookie Cameron Moore where Bakchis advanced to the main competition, the Top 16 round. Bakchis advanced on from the Top 16 after battling Forrest Wang, and then finished in the Top 8 after a close tandem round with Chris Forsberg.

This event was the first of several rounds on the east coast, each of which will be first-time venues for the Ark Performance Feal Suspension Falken Tires Hyundai Genesis. Between the familiarities Bakchis brings to each of these tracks and the continual development of the new Genesis chassis, constant on-track excitement is expected of the Bakchis team.

The season continues at Orlando Speedworld in Florida on June 3-4, 2016. The full season schedule and additional information can be found at www.OdiDrift.com.

Bakchis Places 4th at Formula Drift Season Opener
(Ontario, CA) – Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis had a strong start to the 2016 Formula Drift season at the iconic Streets of Long Beach course in California on April 8-9, 2016. Bakchis has established himself as a serious competitor for the season by placing fourth in the event in the Ark Performance Feal Suspension Falken Tires Hyundai Genesis.

After heavy rains soaked the area on Friday, track conditions became increasingly dangerous and standard qualifying procedures were cancelled. The Top 32 qualifying results were determined using each driver’s rank at the end of the 2015 season, with Bakchis ranked fifth. Conditions were unexpectedly dry on Saturday, allowing Bakchis to showcase the aggressive potential of the vehicle through multiple tandem battles. Following a close one-more-time tandem round in the Final 4, Bakchis finished the event in fourth place.

The fourth-place finish at the season opener demonstrates that Bakchis will be a strong contender for the 2016 Formula Drift championship. The season promises to be exciting and the drifting continues at Road Atlanta in Georgia on May 6-7, 2016. The full season schedule and additional information can be found at www.OdiDrift.com.

Written by Amy Bakchis

May 11, 2015Bakchis Wins Formula Drift Round 2 - Now Points Leader

Ontario, CA - Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis is the current points leader in the Formula Drift series after an event win in Atlanta on May 10, 2015. After fighting through several well-matched tandem rounds and the Atlanta heat, Bakchis won Round 2 of the drift season.

Road Atlanta is an iconic venue for American motorsports and Bakchis carved through the competitive field this weekend to achieve his first event win. Bakchis had a powerful showing in the ARK Performance Feal Suspension Nitto Tire Nissan 240SX on a coarse that boasts high speeds and dramatic elevation changes. With a second place finish at the season opener, this win establishes Bakchis' position as the current leader in championship standings in both the Formula Drift USA and Formula Drift World Championship series.

With packed stands and an incredible amount of online viewers, many people can attest to the heightened excitement of the 2015 drift showing at Road Atlanta. Each tandem battle was more exciting than the last, and Bakchis was able to stand as the overall winner of what is sure to go down as a historic event.

April 10, 2015Bakchis Places Second at Formula Drift Season Opener in Long Beach

Ontario, CA – The 2015 Formula Drift World Championship opened in Long Beach, California on April 10, 2015 and set the tone for an exciting drift season. Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis placed second in the Ark Performance Feal Suspension Nitto Tire Hyundai Genesis, joining a select group of drivers that have stood on the podium at Long Beach.

Bakchis debuted the redesigned Ark Performance Hyundai Genesis at Long Beach after four seasons of competing in a Nissan 240SX chassis. The car boasts a supercharged LS7 engine built by CBM Motorsports that Bakchis drove into the 12th qualifying spot on Friday. Bakchis then battled through the Top 32 bracket with two "one-more-time" matchups, a slight hit against a wall, and contact with another competitor during the final tandem matchup. Bakchis was arguably one of the most exciting drivers to watch during the season opener and established himself as a strong contender in the 2015 championship.

Bakchis has committed to compete in the full world championship and the Ark Performance Hyundai Genesis will be shipped to Japan soon for the international events. Bakchis will drive the Ark Performance Feal Suspension Nitto Tire Nissan 240SX for the remaining USA drift events while the Hyundai Genesis is overseas. The second Formula Drift USA event will take place on May 8th and 9th at Road Atlanta in Georgia and promises to further the excitement of Bakchis' 2015 season.

Ontario, CA - Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis finished in second place at Formula Drift Round 6 at Texas Motor Speedway on September 13, 2014. This was Bakchis’ second podium finish this season after his third place finish in New Jersey in June. The second place finish in Texas currently puts Bakchis in fourth place overall in championship standings.

Bakchis qualified fifth on Friday before entering the tandem rounds on Saturday in the Feal Suspension Nitto Tire Nissan 240SX. His consistent lead runs and exceptional follow runs earned Bakchis a place in the finals against Frederic Aasbo. Bakchis ultimately finished in second place, securing high standings in the overall championship.

(Ontario, CA) - Odi Bakchis received his first carbon fiber trophy for finishing third at Formula Drift Round 4 in New Jersey this past weekend. The podium finish placed Bakchis fifth in overall series championship points.

Bakchis had a strong start to the weekend by qualifying fifth on Friday in the Feal Suspension Nitto Tire Nissan 240SX. He was paired with Ryan Kado for Top 32 and with Nitto Tire teammate Matt Field for Top 16. Bakchis then won the Great 8 tandem round against former series champion Daijiro Yoshihara. Bakchis was paired with Chris Forsberg in the Final 4 where his third place finish was secured.

Bakchis previously obtained two fourth place finishes (2011 and 2013), but the event in New Jersey marked his first professional podium.
With only three events remaining of the 2014 season, Bakchis is a contender for the championship as he is currently fifth in overall series points. Bakchis thanked his sponsors for the great showing last weekend including Feal Suspension, Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., Torco Advanced Lubricants, 702 Graphics.com, Clutch Masters, Dstroyr, EBC Brakes, CBM, Holley Performance, Hooker Headers, Nitrous Oxide Systems, Mishimoto, Swift Springs, Rola A/V, XXR Wheels, Weir Performance, McCune Design & Mfg, Canton Racing, Extreme Dimensions, Wisefab, and Grip Royal.

The next Formula Drift event takes place at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington on July 18-19.

Written by Amy Bakchis

April 8, 2014Bakchis Ranked 7th Following Formula Drift Round 1

For immediate release (Ontario, California) – The eleventh season of Formula Drift opened at Round 1: Streets of Long Beach in Long Beach, California on April 4th and 5th, 2014. The weekend marked the start of the fourth season of professional drifting for Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis, driver of the Feal Suspension Nitto Tire Nissan 240SX.

Bakchis qualified 14th on Friday in a field of over 50 drivers and was paired with seasoned driver Ken Gushi for Saturday's Top 32 bracket. Bakchis advanced to the Top 16 bracket with Tyler McQuarrie and moved on to the "Great 8" with Justin Pawlak. Qualifying 14th and finishing in the Top 8 bracket, Bakchis ultimately finished 7th place for the event.

Bakchis' aggressive driving throughout the weekend and 7th place finish are indicative that the 2014 drift season will be exciting and successful for Bakchis and his team. The Formula Drift season continues on May 9th and 10th, 2014 at Road Atlanta in Georgia.

For immediate release (Ontario, CA) – The 2013 Formula Drift series came to a close at Irwindale Speedway in California on October 12, 2013. A successful final event for Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis placed him tenth overall for the season championship points, further establishing his drift program as a strong contender in the leading drift series.

Bakchis qualified ninth in Irwindale, setting him up for successful tandem competition later in the event. Paired with Dave Briggs during the Top 32 bracket, Bakchis advanced to the Top 16 main event. Bakchis competed against Chris Forsberg during the Top 16 bracket, which was deemed a "one-more-time". Forsberg then advanced and Bakchis finished twelfth in the event.

Repeated high qualifying scores, a fourth place finish in Seattle, and six finishes within the Top 16 throughout the season set Bakchis within the Top 10 ranked drivers for the 2013 season. Finishing his third season in Formula Drift, Bakchis has demonstrated a persistent presence in the top ranked drivers of the series and looks forward to continued action in 2014.

Additional information regarding Bakchis and his drift program can be found at http://www.bakchismotorsports.com/.

Written by: Amy Bakchis
Photograph by: Mike Griffith

July 23, 2013Formula Drift Round 5: Throwdown wrapped up on July 20, 2013 at Evergreen Speedway in Washington.

One driver that stood out throughout the event was fourth-place finisher Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis in his Nexen Tire Nissan 240SX. Bakchis exhibited strong driving technique throughout the event with close follow runs on a banked turn and precise lead runs throughout the course.

Bakchis qualified fifth on Friday and made his way into the main Top 16 event. Following tandem battles with drivers Conrad Grunewald, Vaughn Gittin, and Michael Essa, Bakchis entered the round for third place with Fredric Aasbo. The Bakchis and Aasbo tandem resulted in a one-more-time ruling from the judges. Bakchis then completed a close follow run with Aasbo; however, Bakchis was forced to forfeit his lead run after he needed to change one tire before completing his lead run. For a team to touch the car during a paired tandem battle the team must use an allotted competition timeout, which Bakchis had already used earlier during the event.

The ruling regarding the tire change resulted in a fourth place finish for Bakchis, who is now eighth overall in Formula Drift championship points. Bakchis stated that the battle at Evergreen Speedway solidifies his confidence that he will finish on the podium in future events. Formula Drift next visits Texas in September and closes the season in southern California later in the year.

To learn more about Bakchis and his drift program visit www.BakchisMotorsports.com.

Written by Amy Bakchis

May 11, 2013Formula Drift Round 2 "Road to the Championship" wrapped up at Road Atlanta in Georgia on a rainy day.

Several drivers proved to be strong contenders in the series, including Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis who finished in the Top 16 in his Nexen Tire Nissan 240SX.

After a successful practice session Bakchis qualified 11th and was paired with Toshiki Yoshioka in the Top 32 battle. Bakchis advanced to the Top 16 where he was paired with Darren McNamara under wet conditions. After initiation as the follow driver, Bakchis felt a mechanical failure and was unable to continue driving the car, finishing the event with Top 16 standings.

Over the first two events Bakchis demonstrated consistent appearances in the main event and is currently 12th in series points. The series competitions continue on the east coast in Palm Beach, Florida on May 31 – June 1, 2013 and in Wall, New Jersey on June 21 – 22, 2013.

Formula Drift USA entered its tenth season on April 12-13 at the Streets of Long Beach course in southern California. Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis, 2011 Rookie-of-the-Year, debuted his LS3-powered Nexen Tire 240SX at the event with a strong showing.

After several off-season changes including a new motor and enhanced vehicle set-up, Bakchis was one of the first drivers to qualify at the event under the new "knock-out" qualifying format. Qualifying 12th, Bakchis was paired with Nexen Tire teammate Joon Maeng for the Top 32 tandem competition and then advanced to the Top 16 main event.

Driving for a sold-out crowd, Bakchis was paired with Kenneth Moen for the Top 16 competition. Moen's rear bumper dragged behind the car and, as the following driver, Bakchis was forced to avoid the bumper that eventually detached and hit Bakchis' vehicle. Bakchis then completed his lead run and ultimately finished the event in good standings as 12th overall in the series.

As 12th overall after the first event, Bakchis has shown that he and his team will be a strong contender in the 2013 drift season. Upcoming events for Bakchis include participation in the inaugural Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 19-20 and Formula Drift Round 2 at Road Atlanta in Georgia on May 10-11.

March 15, 2013Bakchis Announces Partnership with the United States Air Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Aurimas Bakchis "Odi" announced today that he will be partnering with the United States Air Force for the 2013 drift season. Bakchis will be competing in each of the seven Formula Drift USA events as a partner with the United States Air Force in his LS3-powered Nexen Tire Nissan 240SX.

The United States Air Force is entering into the 5th season as a sponsor of the Formula Drift series, and Bakchis will be one of the drivers sponsored for the 2013 season. Regarding his new sponsor Bakchis stated "I had a great experience teaching a U.S. Air Force Airman to drift during the Drift into the Blue series in 2012. It was truly a pleasure to work with the U.S. Air Force in that capacity and now I am grateful to continue working with such a committed group of people. I look forward to continuing to work with an established organization that values teamwork and technology since these are my mantra for how I approach drifting."

The Formula Drift USA season begins in Long Beach, California in April 2013. This will be Bakchis' debut event as a partner of the United States Air Force and Bakchis is confident that the 2013 drift season will be promising with the support of such committed sponsors.

Written by: Amy Bakchis

June 26, 2012Bakchis is Number 1 Qualifier at Formula D Round 4

Formula Drift Round 4 returned to Wall Stadium in New Jersey on June 22 and 23, 2012. Aurimas Bakchis (Odi) made a strong impression as he competed at the track for the second time of his drifting career, placing him in sixth for overall series championship points.

Heavy rain interrupted the qualifying session on Friday and resulted in a slower first qualifying run for Bakchis; however, the rain cleared prior to his impressive second run in the M7 Japan/Nexen Tire Nissan 240SX. Bakchis drove a high, tight line and scored a 97, which set Bakchis as the number one qualifier for the event.

Bakchis' Top 32 tandem competition was with rookie Nick DAlessio, and Bakchis advanced to Top 16 to be paired with Daigo Saito for the second time this season.After an exceptional lead run, a transmission mis-shift resulted in dispersion for Bakchis as he followed Saito. Saito advanced in competition, and Bakchis finished the event with Top 16 standings. Bakchis exhibited consistent driving throughout the event, and the top qualifying position and Top 16 finish placed him in sixth for overall series championship points.

Formula Drift Round 3 took place at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida on June 1 - 2, 2012 and was another successful event for Aurimas Bakchis (Odi). Bakchis was the 2011 Formula Drift Rookie of the Year and has continued to impress the judges and fans during the first three rounds of the 2012 Formula Drift season.

Looking strong throughout practice on Thursday, Bakchis qualified 4th on Friday in the Team M7 Japan Nexen Tire Nissan 240SX. Despite the extreme heat and humidity, Bakchis went on to win the Top 32 round against Joon Maeng on Saturday. During Top 16 tandem competition, Bakchis was paired with Chelsea Denofa, whom Bakchis previously competed with during various amateur events in 2010. After a characteristically strong lead run and close tandem run, Bakchis finished with Top 16 standings.

The Top 16 finish in Palm Beach set Bakchis in 7th place overall for the 2012 Formula Drift USA series. As Round 4 in New Jersey quickly approaches, the Bakchis Motorsports team will head into the second half of the season with a strong points standing with the support of M7 Japan, Nexen Tire, M7 Drive Energy Drink, Feal Suspension, 702 Graphics, Torco, Clutch Masters, Mishimoto, Top Line Industrial, AIT Racing, Dstroyr, Sikky Manufacturing, XXR Wheels, and CBM Motorsports.

The 2012 Formula Drift pro championship kicked off at Round 1 in Long Beach, California on April 6 and April 7 and proved to be a success for driver Aurimas Bakchis (Odi) and the Team M7 Japan Nexen Tire Nissan S14. Bakchis placed 15th in Round 1, further demonstrating that his 2011 "Rookie of the Year" title was well deserved.

Entering the season as the driver for Team M7 Japan, Bakchis debuted a new motor for his Nissan 240SX S14 chassis, upgraded suspension, and a new look. With a field of 60 drivers qualification scores were tight; Bakchis ranked 30th after Friday's qualifying round and was paired with Vaughn Gittin Jr. for the Top 32 tandem competition.

Gittin straightened during the first run of the Top 32 tandem round and Bakchis then led a strong, aggressive run that moved Bakchis on to the Top 16 main event. Bakchis was paired with Ken Gushi for the Top 16 tandem competition. Gushi led the first run and then failed to follow Bakchis on the second run in what was determined to be a false start by Bakchis. After an exciting lead run by Bakchis, Gushi moved on to the next round and Bakchis finished the event tied for 15th place with Toshiki Yoshioka.

Round 1 was both exciting and successful for Bakchis, providing a strong start to the 2012 season. The season promises to be exciting for Bakchis and his team as they prepare to head to the east coast for the next three rounds of Formula Drift. Bakchis will be completing the season with the help of sponsors including M7 Japan, Nexen Tires, Feal Suspension, 702 Graphics, Clutch Masters, Torco, Drive M7 Energy Drink, Dstroyr, Battle Version, Swift Springs, EBC Brakes, Top Line, XXR Wheels, Sikky Manufacturing, and CBM Motorsports.

Written by Amy Bakchis

Photo by Sideways Photography

2012 New Design

2011 - SEMA Interview

December 12, 2011 - Odi announced that he has joined M7 Japan (Team M7) for the 2012 drifting season.

Entering his second professional drifting season in 2012, Bakchis will be the first Team M7 driver to compete in the Formula Drift USA pro championship series.

As a driver for M7 Japan, Bakchis will be joining a team that offers high performance automotive products and that is extensively involved in motorsports including drifting, formula racing, touring cars, endurance racing, and drag racing. Team M7 held the 2010 D1 Grand Prix Japan championship through driver Y. Imamura. Additional D1 Drift Japan drivers on the team have included M. Suenaga and M. Orido.

Bakchis, the 2011 Formula Drift “Rookie of the Year,” is “honored to represent M7 Japan and excited to be on a team that has drivers of such high caliber.” He will be driving the LS1-powered Nissan 240SX S14 that debuted during the 2011 season with a new look and new tune for 2012. With Bakchis behind the wheel, 2012 promises to be exciting for Team M7’s debut in the USA professional drifting scene.

Rookie driver Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis of Bakchis Motorsports placed Top 16 at Formula Drift Round 4 at Wall Stadium in New Jersey on 18 June 2011. This was the first Top 16 finish for Forged Racing/Bakchis Motorsports for the 2011 Formula Drift season. Odi qualified 21st in his LS1 powered Nissan 240SX S-14 on Friday afternoon; however, Friday night tandem practice was cancelled after a brief and violent storm interrupted the afternoon driver's meeting.

Practice finally resumed on Saturday and Odi advanced to the Top 16 after Joon Maeng's Mazda broke and was unable to finish the Top 32 tandem competition. As a result Odi was paired against Tyler McQuarrie for the Top 16 competition. Odi followed McQuarrie throughout the first portion of the course and then spun after tapping the lead car while slowing at a clipping point. McQuarrie advanced to the Top 8 and Odi finished the event in the Top 16 bracket.

Round 4 at Wall Stadium closed the east coast portion of the 2011 Formula Drift season and opened the door for exciting finishes for Bakchis Motorsports. With over half of his first professional driving season completed, Odi and the Forged Racing/Bakchis Motorsports team are ready to return to the west coast and successfully complete the remainder of the 2011 season.

Written by Amy Bakchis

May 9, 2011 - Another Top 32 Finish for Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis

Round 2 of the Formula Drift Pro Championship series in Atlanta, Georgia was another exciting event for Forged Racing rookie driver Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis. With a fresh wrap from 702 Graphics and minor mechanical changes, Odi qualified 21st with the LS1-powered Nissan 240SX S-14. After having competed with top driver Dai Yoshihara at Round 1 in Long Beach, Odi was paired with 2010 Formula Drift champion Von Gittin Jr for tandem competition in Road Atlanta. The tandem runs were solid and after deliberation and one judge's vote for a "one more time" Odi was eliminated from the competition, finishing in the top 32.

Road Atlanta provided great fans, nice weather, and aggressive tandem runs for Odi. With a ready crew and car, the Bakchis Motorsports/Forged Racing team is looking forward to the remainder of the 2011 season.